Fluid control assembly

Abstract

A fluid control assembly that includes fluid valving, fluid regulation, automatic safety shut-off valving and manual shut-off valving in one assembly, a novel fluid control unit that integrates the above functions in one unit, and a novel ignitor and a novel seal and diaphragm for use in the assembly.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A fluid control unit, comprising: a body which includes a multiplicity of fluid passageways, a fluid inlet, at least one valve seat, a fluid outlet and a fluid pressure regulating chamber;   an integral diaphragm and seal member which includes a diaphragm area that is positionable in relation to said fluid pressure regulating chamber to regulate fluid pressure of fluid flow through said fluid control unit, a valving area that is engageable with said at least one valve seat of said body, and a fluid sealing area, said integral diaphragm and seal member being positioned in operative engagement with said body; and   a cover positioned on a side of said integral diaphragm and seal member opposite said body, wherein said body, said integral diaphragm and seal member, and said cover are joined together to form an operative unit.   
     
     
       2. The fluid control unit of claim 1, further comprising a spring biasly engaging said diaphragm area to position said diaphragm area relative to said regulating chamber to regulate fluid pressure of fluid flow through said fluid control unit. 
     
     
       3. The fluid control unit of claim 2, wherein said spring is disposed adjacent said cover and adjacent said diaphragm area. 
     
     
       4. The fluid control unit of claim 2, further comprising a fluid pressure regulating assembly including said spring and a regulator stem projecting forwardly into said regulating chamber from adjacent said diaphragm area and engageable with a regulator valve seat to restrict fluid flow through said fluid control unit. 
     
     
       5. The fluid control unit of claim 4, further comprising a manual shut-off that is actuable to position said regulating stem in engagement with said regulator valve seat to shut off fluid flow through said fluid control unit. 
     
     
       6. The fluid control unit of claim 4, wherein said regulator stem includes a distal end and a proximal end adjacent said diaphragm area, said regulator stem further including a ball member disposed at said distal end that is engageable with said regulator valve seat to restrict fluid flow. 
     
     
       7. The fluid control unit of claim 1, wherein said valving area comprises dual valve disks and a valve sealing web. 
     
     
       8. The fluid control unit of claim 1, wherein said diaphragm member comprises a flexible sheet, a backup plate and a stiffener plate, said stiffener plate being positioned adjacent said flexible sheet in an area of said regulating chamber. 
     
     
       9. The fluid control unit of claim 1, further comprising a manual shut-off for manually shutting off fluid flow. 
     
     
       10. The fluid control unit of claim 1, further comprising a solenoid operable to engage and disengage said valving area of said integral member with said at least one valve seat of said body. 
     
     
       11. The fluid control unit of claim 1, wherein said diaphragm area is structurally distinct from said valving area, and said valving area is structurally distinct from said sealing area. 
     
     
       12. A fluid control unit, comprising: a body which includes a multiplicity of fluid passageways, a fluid inlet, at least one valve seat, a fluid outlet and a fluid pressure regulating chamber;   an integral diaphragm and seal member which includes a diaphragm area positionable in relation to said fluid pressure regulating chamber to regulate fluid pressure of fluid flow through said fluid control unit, a valving area engageable with said at least one valve seat of said body and a fluid sealing area, said integral diaphragm and seal member being positioned in operative engagement with said body;   a cover positioned on a side of said integral diaphragm and seal member opposite said body, wherein said body, said integral diaphragm and seal member, and said cover are joined together to form an operative unit;   a fluid pressure regulating assembly including a spring biasly engaging said diaphragm area to position said diaphragm area relative to said regulating chamber to regulate fluid pressure of fluid flow through said fluid control unit and a regulator stem projecting forwardly into said regulating chamber from adjacent said diaphragm area and engageable with a regulator valve seat to restrict fluid flow through said fluid control unit; and   a manual shut-off that is actuable to position said regulating stem in engagement with the regulator valve seat to shut off fluid flow through said fluid control unit.